Final Presidential Debate: Barack Obama vs. Mitt Romney

Date: October 22, 2012

Location

The final presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney took place at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida.

Moderator

The debate was moderated by Bob Schieffer, a veteran journalist from CBS News.

Focus: Foreign Policy

The debate centered on foreign policy issues, providing both candidates an opportunity to outline their visions for America’s role on the global stage. Key topics included:

1. Middle East and Terrorism

   • Libya and the Benghazi Attack: The candidates discussed the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, which resulted in the death of four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. Obama defended his administration’s response, while Romney criticized the handling of the situation.
   • Iran’s Nuclear Program: Both candidates agreed on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons but differed on their approaches. Obama emphasized sanctions and diplomatic efforts, while Romney advocated for a more assertive stance.

2. U.S.-Israel Relations

   • Both candidates expressed strong support for Israel, discussing the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance and the need to prevent Iran from threatening Israel’s security.

3. Afghanistan and Pakistan

   • Obama highlighted the planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan by 2014, while Romney supported the timeline but emphasized the need for a conditions-based approach.
   • The candidates also discussed the complex relationship with Pakistan, particularly in the context of counterterrorism efforts.

4. China and Trade

   • Romney criticized China’s trade practices and pledged to label China a currency manipulator. Obama countered by highlighting his administration’s actions against unfair trade practices.

5. Military Spending

   • A significant point of contention was military spending. Romney argued for increased defense spending, while Obama emphasized a balanced approach, focusing on modernizing the military and addressing emerging threats.

Key Moments

• “Horses and Bayonets”: One of the debate’s memorable exchanges occurred when Obama responded to Romney’s critique of military cuts by noting that the nature of military needs has evolved, famously stating, “We also have fewer horses and bayonets.”

Aftermath and Significance

• The debate was seen as crucial for both candidates, with foreign policy being a significant aspect of the presidential role.
• Polls and analysts generally viewed Obama as having a stronger performance, particularly in articulating his administration’s foreign policy achievements.
• The debate reinforced the candidates’ differing worldviews and approaches to international relations, influencing voters’ perceptions ahead of the November election.

Conclusion

The final debate of the 2012 presidential election provided a platform for Obama and Romney to present their foreign policy credentials and strategies. It highlighted the complexities of global issues and the importance of leadership in navigating international challenges.